Postdoc in Urban Water Engineering focusing on water re-use

Luleå University of Technology experiences rapid growth with world-leading expertise within several research domains. We shape the future through innovative education and groundbreaking research results and drawing on our location in the Arctic region, we create global societal benefit. Our scientific and artistic research and education are carried out in close collaboration with international, national and regional companies, public actors and leading universities. Luleå University of Technology has an annual turnover of SEK 1.9 billion. Today, we have 1,815 staff and 19,155 students.

In the coming years, multi-billion investments will be made in large projects in Northern Sweden to create a fossil-free society both nationally and globally. Luleå University of Technology is involved in several of these cutting-edge research projects and in the societal transformation that they entail. We offer a broad range of courses and study programmes to match the skills in demand. We hope that you will help us to build the sustainable companies and societies of the future.

The research group of Urban Water Engineering at the Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, Luleå University of Technology is recruiting in the field of source-separating wastewater systems and greywater management. We are looking for two PhD students and a postdoctoral researcher to work in the projects AquaClim and GREW, both funded by the Swedish Research Council Formas. The research in these projects will lead the way to the future resource-efficient wastewater system, challenge the current paradigm and provide new insights in how to close nutrient loops and re-use water.

The Urban Water Research Group has a strong position in research and education within the area of urban water systems mainly regarding stormwater, wastewater management and sewer systems. The overall aim of the group is to contribute to the development of sustainable urban water systems. Being a part of the Urban Water Research Group implies working in an international and creative environment. The group consists of ca 40 staff members from ca 20 different countries including a number of senior researchers, Swedish and international adjunct professors and about 20 doctoral candidates. The group has an extensive national and international collaboration network.

Subject description
Urban Water Engineering encompasses the entire urban water system (storm drains, drinking water supply and waste water) with respect to collection, transport and treatment, as well as organisation and planning. The research aims to encourage a strong economy, clean environment and the wise use of resources, while preserving the public’s health and safety.

Project description
In areas with severe water scarcity, reuse of wastewater or greywater is sometimes the only main option for water supply, but also in other regions where water sources are not scarce the reuse of water could be beneficial. Although the reuse of water is potentially sensible in many locations, the treatment is costly and energy consuming. The aim of this project is to evaluate how sustainable greywater reuse is in comparison to using other raw water sources. You will use systems analysis to elucidate the environmental, economic and social benefits and costs that arise when changing from a conventional sanitation system to a source-separating, water-efficient system which includes water reuse. You will analyse if the use of seawater or greywater for drinking water production is more sustainable as well as in which context greywater reuse is a resource-efficient, economically and socially acceptable option.

Duties
As a postdoctoral researcher you independently plan and carry out your research work. Further tasks include the writing of scientific papers and the participation in Swedish and international conferences. You may also have the opportunity to teach in undergraduate courses and administrative tasks may be included (up to 20% of fulltime). You will have two supervisors who will support you.

Qualifications
The applicant shall hold a PhD in sanitary/urban water engineering, environmental engineering or equivalent. Primarily, the applicant with a PhD degree not older than three years will be selected. Experience/education in sanitary/urban water engineering, wastewater management and systems analysis are mandatory for this position. Further skills needed are the ability to work independently and take own initiatives as well as independently penetrate new research areas. English language skills are required to facilitate presentation of research outcomes in international conferences and scientific papers. Swedish language skills are a merit since there are many contacts with Swedish municipalities and companies. Experience in teaching is a merit. We expect you to have a driving license or take a driving license as soon as possible. The applicant should be able provide two reference persons on request.

Information
För ytterligare information är du välkommen att kontakta:
Professor Annelie Hedström, +46 920 492309 [email protected] and associate professor Inga Herrmann, +46 920 492528 [email protected]

Union representatives: SACO-S Christer Gardelli, (+46)920-49 1809 [email protected] och OFR-S Lars Frisk, 0920-49 1792 [email protected]

In case of different interpretations of the English and Swedish versions of this announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.

Application
We prefer that you apply for this position by clicking on the apply button below. The application should include a personal letter, CV and copies of verified diplomas from high school and universities. Mark your application with the reference number below. Your application, including diplomas, must be written in English or Swedish.

Referensnummer: 205-2023
Sista ansökningsdag: 17 February 2023

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